Andrew Raw

The First Time: Andy Raw – The Clash, Derby King’s Hall, 24th November 1978

February 7, 2023 Andrew Raw 0

Seeing The Clash for the first time and for my first gig was a fantastic experience; the most exciting event I have ever been to. I had been into glam-rock at primary school in the early […]

Artwork for the cover the album "The Cure" by Tom Ovans

Tom Ovans “The Cure”

January 6, 2023 Andrew Raw 1

Great songwriting with a strong Dylan influence. It’s probably fair to say that Tom Ovans has lived a full life, and this album, with its raw, unvarnished feel sounds as though it comes from someone who […]

Jim Keller “Spark and Flame”

December 7, 2022 Andrew Raw 0

Great musicianship with eighties influences. Jim Keller was the guitarist and chief songwriter for the San Francisco group, Tommy Tutone, who had a couple of power-pop hits in the eighties, the most famous being ‘867-5309/ Jenny’. […]

Cover of the Julian Taylor album "Beyond The Reservoir"

Julian Taylor “Beyond The Reservoir”

November 10, 2022 Andrew Raw 0

Country-folk with excellent lyrics from songwriter with both Mohawk and West Indian heritage. Although this album is good musically, with many songs having melodies that grow on you over time, it is the compelling lyrics with […]

KB Bayley “Flatlands”

October 31, 2022 Andrew Raw 0

Beautiful lap steel guitar with poignant lyrics. The first thing to say about KB Bayley is what an excellent lap steel guitarist he is. This album is full of beautiful music, beautifully played. It has a […]

Essentials: The Top 10 Samantha Crain Songs

August 6, 2026 0

March, 2026, walking down Islington High Street in the rain, heading for the hallowed Union Chapel, the anticipation of seeing Samantha Crain live was palpable. Too many years had gone by since a summer night at […]

Bird “Held Here Together”

August 6, 2026 0

Atmospheric strings build a soundscape from folk and psych to support excellent songs. Singer-Songwriter Bird, otherwise known as Janie Price, has released a new full-length album. Held Here Together is made up of her two recent […]

Live Review: Joshua Ray Walker + Malin Pettersen, The Lower Third, London – 28th July 2026

August 6, 2026 0

It was a hot night in the West End, but thankfully the air conditioning was cool at Denmark Street’s Lower Third. This was Joshua Ray Walker’s first show in London since recovering from stage 3 bowel […]

Articles by Andrew Raw

The First Time: Andy Raw – The Clash, Derby King’s Hall, 24th November 1978

Tom Ovans “The Cure”

Jim Keller “Spark and Flame”

Julian Taylor “Beyond The Reservoir”

KB Bayley “Flatlands”

Essentials: The Top 10 Samantha Crain Songs

Bird “Held Here Together”

Live Review: Joshua Ray Walker + Malin Pettersen, The Lower Third, London – 28th July 2026

Phil Odgers & John Kettle “The War is Over – The Songs of Phil Ochs Vol 2”

Freddy Trujillo takes flight with his fifth solo album